After nine consecutive wins, Euro 2024 champions Spain were held to a 0-0 draw by hosts Serbia in the opening match of the 2024-2025 Nations League.
At Red Star Stadium on September 5, Spain no longer had the same stormy attacking ability as they had shown on the way to winning Euro 2024. Coach Luis De La Fuente’s team still controlled the match, but did not create many chances. The absence of Rodri, the captain absent due to suspension, took away the chance to surprise from the midfield.
Meanwhile, Serbia succeeded with a deep defensive strategy. Coach Dragan Stojkovic’s team created many layers to protect goalkeeper Rajkovic’s goal, while also being ready to counter-attack when they had the ball.
Nico Williams (left) dribbles the ball during the Serbia 0-0 Spain match on the evening of September 5. Photo: AFP
In the 33rd minute, Luka Jovic missed the best chance of the match. The former Real Madrid striker ran down to face goalkeeper David Raya after Zivkovic’s pass, but shot wide from about 9 meters.
Spain continued to dominate after the break. Most of the Euro 2024 champions’ attacks came through Lamine Yamal , the 17-year-old winger who won the Young Player of the Tournament award in Germany. In the 71st minute, Yamal almost scored with his signature left-footed curler. The ball went around the Serbian goalkeeper and defenders, but missed the post by inches. In the 75th minute, Yamal continued to dribble from the left wing and curled towards the home team’s goal. But this time, goalkeeper Rajkovic punched the ball away for a corner.
Shortly afterwards, Fabian Ruiz missed Spain’s best chance. It started from a Yamal cross after the home defender had lost possession. Fabian stood wide in the middle of the box, but made another turn and was caught out instead of shooting.
Yamal (in yellow shirt) was the standout star in the Serbia 0-0 Spain match on the evening of September 5. Photo: AP
Unlucky and lacking in finishing, Spain had to accept a 0-0 draw. De La Fuente’s team failed to win for the first time in nine matches, including two friendly wins against Andorra and Northern Ireland and all seven matches at the Euros. Meanwhile, Serbia drew for the third consecutive match, after two 1-1 draws with Slovenia and 0-0 draws with Denmark in the Euros group stage.
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The draw on the opening day left Serbia and Spain sharing second and third place in Nations League Group 4. Denmark lead the way after their opening day win, thanks to a 2-0 win over Switzerland. Denmark will host Serbia on September 8, while Spain travel to Switzerland.